WHY DOES THE STREET SOCCER FOUNDATION EXIST?
In today’s society, everybody should have a place to live. But – more young people across England and Wales are becoming homeless with the situation getting worse.
Homelessness among young people in particular, is a major social problem:
- 1 in 200 people in England are today now homeless or living in inadequate housing
- Rough sleeping has risen by 169% since 2010
- In the last year, 320,000 people were recorded as homeless in Britain: a rise of 13,000 (or 4%), on last year's figures. This is equivalent to 36 new people becoming homeless every day.
(All statistics courtesy of Shelter)
Young people (aged below 25) with experiences of homelessness are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society. Often a core reason for becoming homeless is a relationship breakdown which can stem from being long-term unemployed: 49% of cases have been reported where the primary cause of youth homelessness is a family breakdown; and 44% of these cases have shown these young people not being in Work, Education or Training (NEETS).
Homelessness is an isolating and destructive experience. Which is why The Street Soccer Foundation exists. To help see an end to youth homelessness and youth unemployment across England - through partnerships and collaborations and using the number 1 sport in the world: the power of football.
Back in 2016, our Street Soccer Academy run in partnership with West Ham United was featured on the world-renowned ‘Match of the Day’ TV show on BBC1. The video here features young Jodie, who came onto our course as a 19-year old living in temporary sheltered accommodation. Completing the course, Jodie interviewed with the BBC, and went on to be successfully selected to represent England at the Homeless World Cup in Glasgow later that year. Jodie is now a Young Ambassador for the Foundation.
Our Street Soccer Academy and School programs unite people from all different kinds of backgrounds. Through football, individuals come together to support a greater sense of well-being within their local community. Helping people to realise their true potential.
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER
Keith is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and business leader recognised by the Centre for Entrepreneurs (CfE) and The Sunday Times as one of the UK’s most successful Businessmen supporting the next generation. In his younger days, Keith played for Millwall, Gillingham and Charlton Athletic but never quite made the grade to become a full-time professional footballer. Keith formed The Street Soccer Foundation in 2015 after learning of Homelessness statistics across England. He wanted to help the situation to benefit local communities and make a difference in young people’s lives knowing the power of football. After receiving (non-financial) support from the PFA and securing an initial delivery partnership with a Premier League Football Club, the Street Soccer Foundation was up and running and hasn't looked back since.

Keith Mabbutt, Founder & CEO
OUR STREET SOCCER UTD TEAM
The Street Soccer Foundation Leadership team is supported by the Street Soccer Foundation family: our very own Street Soccer United. A mixture of Business Coaches, Volunteers and Mentors; Supporters and Sponsors; and our brilliant Delivery Partners, made up of FA qualified Community Football Coaches and Education & Employability qualified professionals at the Football League Clubs we partner with.
Street Soccer Utd Leadership






Street Soccer Utd Key Players









If you’d like to get involved and help support your local community please get in touch with us via the Contact page.
Together, CHANGING LIVES THROUGH FOOTBALL.